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January 5, 2001

Veneman new ag secretary?

American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman is applauding President-elect George W. Bush's choice for agriculture secretary, Ann Veneman.

Stallman said he looks forward to working with the first woman to hold the post.

"From her experience in her prior governmental positions, we know her to be an extremely knowledgeable, capable and effective advocate for all of agriculture," Stallman, former TFB president, said. "It's a real benefit that she has previous experience at USDA and service to California and American agriculture. She understands how the agriculture department works and the range of responsibilities that she will have to oversee."

Veneman served as deputy secretary of USDA from 1991 to 1993. Before that she served as under-secretary for international affairs and commodity programs. She began her USDA career in the Foreign Agricultural Service as associate administrator in 1986.

Veneman was actively involved in the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations, NAFTA, and the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Most recently, she served as secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.